jodyearley.com

This morning I felt challenged to stop talking and just listen. I once heard someone say that God gave us two ears and one mouth because He wants us to listen twice as much as we speak. So, over the next 21 days I am going to put all blogging, tweeting and other forms of social networking on hold and just sit back and observe. Enough said.

My wife and I are joining with our church in a 21 day fast from January 10th - 31st. During this time I am chooseing to do the Daniel Fast and periodically fast entire meals for extended times of prayer and Bible reading.

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3

I am expecting God to do great things in our lives over the next three weeks. I have set my expectations extremely high. I know that during these 21 days I will be making some significant sacrifices because I highly enjoy good food. It has been said that sacrifice is giving up something you love for something you love even more. If you know me you know that I “love” food, but I believe that what God wants to do over the next 21 days is greater than any meal or indulgence I would ever experience.

I encourage you to consider joining with me in fasting, even if it’s a single meal or activity. If you do, I believe God will exceed your expectations and satisfy a hunger that only He can satisfy.

I look forward to what God is going to do over the next 21 days.

I’m done with eating. I’m so over food. Well, at least for the next 7 days I am. Tomorrow we are beginning a week of prayer and fasting at People’s Church. I would be lying if I didn’t confess that it’s going to be difficult for me, but at the same time I am excited about what’s going to happen. I’m excited about what God is going to do in my life and in the lives of others. One of my goal words for 2010 is discipline and I know that during this week of fasting I will definitely be developing some discipline.

My focus during this week is simply to put myself in a better position to hear from God. To hear what He would have to say to me. I don’t have an agenda to gain some “thing”, but rather experience a closer relationship with my creator.

The cool thing is that God wants to speak to each of us uniquely, but often times we don’t put ourselves in a position to hear. Is there something that you can fast this week in order to draw closer to God?